One Health Chemical
Exposure Science and the Exposome
Our environmental exposures affect our health over a lifetime. The exposome is a new science to understand which chemicals, occupational and social exposures, or combination of bacteria in our gut, are beneficial or detrimental to our health, and how we can prevent them. Researchers in Utrecht are starting to systematically sequence the environmental factors influencing our health – mapping out the outside world as well as the miniature worlds existing, for instance, in our intestinal tracts.
We can’t easily change our genes, but if we are serious about the prevention of diseases, we need to know the modifiable part – that is, the environmental factors
Healthy Urban Living
How healthy is living in a large, densely populated city? The urban environment can influence public health in several ways, for instance through the accessibility of healthy transport and food options, and providing opportunities for physical activity and social engagement. The research performed within the Healthy Urban Living theme assesses the links between these different issues and health with the ultimate goal to advance our understanding on how we can design cities that promote the health of the city and its inhabitants.
We aim to advance our understanding on how we can design cities that promote the health of the inhabitants
Occupational Health
Working life exposures can lead to many diseases. It has been estimated that 1 in 4 of European citizens of working age suffer from a chronic health problem, which is the premier reason for workers to exit paid employment with large social and financial consequences. Unfortunately, little information is available on how work affects co-morbidity, the ability of workers with chronic disease to remain in paid employment, and the interplay between extended working careers, increasing longevity, and functional capacity.
Employment is a major determinant of health and healthy ageing
Therefore, ensuring a safe and healthy work environment is important. Unfortunately, there is a major unutilized potential in exploring the association between working life or occupation and health. In Utrecht, research is focused on environmental and occupational risk factors for chronic diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.